[kar-ik-ter-uh-zey-shuh
n, -truh-zey-] 
| 1. | portrayal; description: the actor's characterization of a politician. |
| 2. | the act of characterizing. |
| 3. | the creation and convincing representation of fictitious characters. |
Recharacterization
The treatment of a contribution as being made to another type of IRA instead of the IRA that the contribution was initially made.
Investopedia Commentary
For instance, an individual may make a participant contribution to a Traditional IRA, but may later recharacterize the contribution to a Roth IRA.
Roth IRA conversions can be reversed by means of a recharacterization, however, this movement of assets must include earnings (or losses).
Related Links
Recharacterizing Your IRA Contribution or Roth Conversion
Roth Or Traditional IRA...Which Is The Better Choice?
See also: In-Service Withdrawal, IRA, IRA Adoption Agreement and Plan Document, IRA Conversion, Non-Qualified Distribution, Ordering Rules, Qualified Distribution, Reconversion, Required Minimum Distribution, Roth IRA, Spousal IRA, Triggering Event